First named "Hercules" after myth, the C-130 has become a true, real-world legend. More than 2100 C-130s have been built, and they're flown by over 60 nations worldwide, in dozens of variations. They carry troops, vehicles and armaments into battle. They drop paratroopers and supplies from the sky. They serve as airborne and ground refuelers. They provide emergency evacuation and humanitarian relief. They do airborne early warning and maritime surveillance. They've recovered space capsules. They've worn skis in Antarctica. Surviving the toughest flights, the roughest landings and the constant pounding of heavy cargo, many of the earliest C-130s are still active today. In the history of aviation design, if there's a symbol for strength, durability and multi-mission success, surely it is the C-130 Hercules. And it's still a young aircraft.

The new C-130J has the familiar silhouette, but in fact it's a brand new airplane with performance to prove it. Compared to the earlier production C-130E, maximum speed is up 21%, climb time is down 50%. Cruising altitude is 40% higher, range 40% longer. With new engines and new props, "The J" can reach 28,000 feet in 14 minutes. And for tricky low altitude maneuvers, new avionics, and dual head-up displays make it easier and safer to operate. It also offers reduced manpower requirements, lower operating costs, support costs and life-cycle costs. For reasons of performance, mission capability and investment protection, the best replacement for an older C-130 is a new C-130J.